Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

(2:01 PM)

Hello from the Bayou. I'm glad that I could get a half hour to chat with everyone. So, let's get this started.

Doug (MI)

Hey, bro, IGF-1 needs to be injected to work. Even if Ray Lewis did use deer antler spray, it's useless because IGF-1 gets broken down by the digestive system. What you need to use is IGF-1 Lr3, not deer antler spray. C'mon, bro!

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

(2:01 PM)

Thank you Bambi for clearing that up.

Ravenous128 (Columbia, MD)

Jamison - given the amount of hype and lip service being paid to Kaepernick, what should the Ravens do to slow him down? I suspect they'll have to play a disciplined zone, but since RGIII managed a lot of yards against them playing a similar style, I'm curious. Thanks.

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

(2:03 PM)

Ravens actually contained RGIII in the running game after the first couple of series. The biggest thing is that Kaepernick's speed forces players into quick decisions and the key on defense is communicating. If you're out of position or make a wrong move, it's a big play. And, if the Ravens can get to him, they have to hit Kaepernick hard.

Jeff (Cincinnati)

Hi Jamison - What do you see the Bengals doing in free agency this year? If they re-sign Michael Johnson, could you see them pursuing another top tier free agent?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

(2:04 PM)

The Bengals will use that cap room to get a long term deal done (or use the franchise tag) on Michael Johnson and Andre Smith. Cincy also has to spend money at linebacker in free agency. I would suspect the Bengals will also use the offseason to extend some players like Geno Atkins.

Todd (Dallas)

Do you think new regime not to quick to give Weeden a vote of confidence because they want to take credit for his improvement? Then if he does not improve they can say "I told you so."

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

(2:06 PM)

They're not giving him the vote of confidence because he didn't earn it from his play last season. Plus, the new regime doesn't know who else is going to be there at QB. There's a chance the Browns could bring in Alex Smith considering his history with Norv Turner.

John (Ohio )

How can you say that Art Modell should be in the Hall of Fame? He bankrupted to franchises and only won one Super Bowl. He should not be voted in because of charitable acts, or because he negotiated some television contracts. He moved a historical franchise and attempted to take their name and colors with him. He did the same thing Irsay did to the Baltimore Colts. The only difference was that Irsay was able to take the Colts name and colors, Modell didn't because he was sued by the city of Cleveland.

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

(2:08 PM)

I stated my argument quite clearly in the post today. Modell would be going in as a "contributor." The question you have to ask is: Did Modell make the league better? Of course he did. And, if you read the post, you can't use the argument of moving a team against him because two HOF owners did.

Kevin (Gaithersburg, MD)

Who's the Ravens' X-factor on offense?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

(2:09 PM)

The top three are Flacco, Flacco and, did I mention, Flacco.

John (Euclid, Oh.)

Will Friday's piece with you and Sando be comparing former Ravens cheerleader Stacy Keibler and former 49ers cheerleader Teri Hatcher?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

(2:09 PM)

Come on, is there really a comparison?

Brian (Valley Forge, PA )

Jamison, how sure are you (in terms of a percentage) that Brandon Weeden will be the starter on opening day for 2013? I don't think Norv Turner would be interested in the rebuilding project that is the Browns if he didn't think Weeden could be the guy. This carousel has gone on too long and needs to stop!

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

(2:10 PM)

Ask me after free agency. Right now, it would be pure speculation. If we know who the competition will be, I can give an educated guess.

Wesley (New York)

By your logic, does Isray belong in the hall?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

(2:11 PM)

If you went to any NFL owner and tried to compare Modell and Irsay, they would laugh at you. Name me one contribution to the league by Irsay.

ryan (wilmington, nc [via mobile]

Does Haslem and team make a STRONG push for A. Smith next year? And could u see him doing well in chuds and turners aggressive downfield passing game? Thanks enjoy the super bowl

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

(2:13 PM)

I can see Alex Smith being a consideration. Let me put it this way, if Chud and Norv want Smith, Haslam will do what it takes (within reason) to make that financially happen. You couldn't say that before he was owner.

Kyle (Chevy Chase, MD)

The Steelers have restructured dozens of contracts over the last two years trying to preserve what they thought was a championship team. How will all of that restructuring affect them moving into the 2013 and 2014 seasons?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

(2:14 PM)

At some point, the restructuring will catch up to a team. You can't keep putting off the cap hit. If you could, every team would do it.

D-Bo (st pete, fl)

Hey Jamison.. Lets say Starks Foster &#x26; Legursky are all gone via FA.. with Bicknell as the new OL Coach, do you see Colon starting at LG and actually succeeding in a zone scheme.. or do you think they try and add another body via the draft?? Colon seems more like a power blocker in a man scheme, not a good lateral agility or technique guy

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

(2:17 PM)

Colon is gone. The left guard should be Kelvin Beachum.

Marty (Nazareth Pa.)

Do we know who the refs are for the game? If they call it close 49 ers win if they let them bump Ravens win in my opinion.

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

(2:19 PM)

Hunter (Reading, PA)

Hello Jamison. I've been hearing rumors that the Steelers might let James Harrison go this year, which is understandable due to age/decline in play and the money the owe him. However, this morning I read that they would consider letting Troy Polamalu go as well. Do you think the Steelers would really conisder this? Over the span of his career, the Steelers' defense has been notoriously less effective when he is not on the field.

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

(2:20 PM)

James Harrison may be asked to take a pay cut or get released. Polamalu isn't going anywhere.

Park (KC)

You say modell deserves HOF..his record as an owner is .500, rozelle and arledge were responsible for MNF. He blacked out games where 80,000 tickets were sold. He was unsuccessful financially as well. He What merits his election to HOF? He was a failure as an owner, and as a contributor. He also wanted to concede cash to the TV networks in 1991, but fortunately Jerry jones stepped in to help negotiate a better deal for the owners. Your article in your blog is inaccurate and also one- sided. You make points unfounded in truth, resulting in subpar journalism

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

(2:21 PM)

Funny how owners and the NFL commissioner say the opposite. But I'm sure your "unbiased" opinion is right.

P. Cougar (Baltimore)

Can the Ravens afford to keep me and Cool Joe and Edwardo Reed?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

(2:21 PM)

Depends on what it will take to keep Reed. Also, if the Ravens can get Flacco signed long term, Baltimore could use the tag on Reed.

ben (virginia)

An agitated ray Lewis means 49ers lose.... Agree?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

(2:22 PM)

Ray is kind of like linebacker Hulk. Offenses don't like to see him when he's angry.

Kevin (Gaithersburg, MD)

What team benefits most from playing in a dome?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

(2:23 PM)

Neither. Both teams are physical. The player who benefits the most from dome the most on the Ravens is Torrey Smith. Remember what he did in St. Louis last year.

Steve (Antarctica)

Jamison Laying the smack down today. I like it!

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

(2:23 PM)

Good thing you're in Antarctica. You would get it to!

Phil Dawson (UFA)

So who will sign me to something longer than a one year contract?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

(2:24 PM)

How about the team playing in the Super Bowl -- the 49ers.

Kevin (Gaithersburg, MD)

Who do you think will have more total yards, Gore or Rice?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

(2:25 PM)

Gore.

browns1658 (akron)

are we going to see a similar situation with sheard as we did with wimbley regarding the 3-4 defense? id hate to see sheard moved to linebacker

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

(2:26 PM)

Moving Sheard to linebacker would be a disaster in my opinion.

Threat Level Bob (Under my desk)

I thought McKinnie was gone for sure after this season until a few weeks ago, but things have changed in a hurry. Have you heard anything about the Ravens bringing him back for next season?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

(2:27 PM)

The Ravens see him as a fallback option this offseason. The problem is he's not Harbaugh's type of guy and McKinnie is too unreliable. I'm not sure if a strong finish makes the team forget about his weight issues in the spring and him skipping the first three days of training camp this season.

Zack (baltimore)

Can Ray Lewis get in trouble for his supposed use of the deer antler spray? He is about to retire anyway, but how can it be proved he actually used it if he has never failed a drug test?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

(2:28 PM)

The NFL can't do anything to Ray Lewis. It's more about how this affects his legacy.

Brett (CA)

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

(2:28 PM)

Jordan (Casper, Wy)

If Cincy doesn't sign Maualuga does he even play in the NFL next year?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

(2:30 PM)

Without a doubt ... yes.

Kevin (Gaithersburg, MD)

What is Juan Castillo's role for the Super Bowl?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

(2:30 PM)

Advisor now. Running game coordinator next season.

Brad (Mordor)

who have you uspet more this week on the Blog? Ravens fans with the Ray Lewis PED stuff, Browns Fans with the Art HOF stuff, Bengals fans with the lack of articles or Steelers fans for the same reason.

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

(2:30 PM)

I would suspect Browns fans on Art.

Jordan (Casper, Wy)

If ESPN banned deer antler but you had a torn ligament in your hand that kept you from being able to do your job, would you take it in hopes you could return quicker?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

(2:32 PM)

You're assuming that I don't already.

Jamison Hensley (ESPN)

(2:34 PM)

Thanks everyone for the chat. Sorry but I got to run. I hope everyone enjoys the Super Bowl. I know for some of you that means the Ravens winning and for others it means the Ravens losing.